Announcements / Updates

Any changes or update to this web page will be mentioned here.

• Monday, 4/18/23, 10:00 a.m. – Corrected flight group header for Sunday. Fixed wording of one FAQ item.
• Monday, 4/17/23, 9:30 p.m. – Added dinner locations for Wednesday and Thursday. Added RoboPromo itinerary. Added Q&A about Clear/Nexus/TSA Pre-Check.
• Sunday, 4/16/23, 5:40 p.m. – Corrected return flight information for flight group 2 in the itinerary.
• Saturday, 4/15/23, 8:00 a.m. – Update link for carry-on baggage requirements.
• Thursday, 4/13/23, 10:15 p.m. – Updated itinerary and details throughout for new hotel. The original hotel booked (Moxy) will not be open in time and we have transitioned to our backup hotel (Home2). Due to this change, the team will be traveling between the hotel and venue by car instead of bus. Breakfast is also now included at this new hotel.
• Wednesday, 4/12/23, 10:45 p.m. – Added 2nd flight group details throughout. Some last minute student additions required us to book a different set of flights. Those students have been notified. Note: The 1st flight group is at the McNamara terminal and the 2nd flight group is at the Evans/North terminal.
• Monday, 4/10/23, 8:00 p.m. – Added Q & A section at the bottom.
• Monday, 4/10/23, 6:30 a.m. – Corrected the day of week for the return flight airport pick-up.
• Sunday 4/9/23, 8:00 p.m.– This web page has been launched.

Introduction

Dear Robotics Team Members and Parents,

Congratulations! This has been an amazing season for the Robocubs. We performed far beyond expectations, winning at the Detroit district and finalists at Macomb. As a result, we qualified for the Michigan State Championships where we were a contender in our division. We are ranked 53rd out of 479 teams in the state earning us a spot at the World Championship

Our success is a direct result of the dedication and support each and every one of you have contributed this year, and it is what will bring us victory in Houston. We have a vigorous championship schedule ahead of us. Keep up the hard work.

This team prides itself on accomplishing a lot with limited resources. We have defeated many teams who have many times the members and budget; however, our success is not a currency accepted by the airlines and hotels. The school has fronted the funds necessary for the team to travel to and compete in Houston.

The actual cost for each student exceeds $1700. If you have the means to pay the difference or more, it can count as a tax deductible donation to the school. Any other individual or corporate support you can help obtain would help offset the expense of this trip. Thank you to all of those who have already made contributions.

Take the time to read and understand this page in its entirety. I tried to include everything I could think of, but I’m sure I’ve left some things out. Feel free to contact me should you have any questions.

I am confident that this team will represent the best of U of D Jesuit.

Go Robocubs!

Mr. Wong
Assistant Coach

Itinerary

All times are in the local time zone.

Wednesday, April 19, 2022

At George R. Brown Convention Center

• Uncrate/Setup Pit
• Robot Inspection
• Field Measurements/Robot Calibration
• Practice Matches
• Robot Improvements
• Innovation Faire
• Conference Sessions
• Buy RoboProm tickets (available for sale at 10a)
• Block Party

7:30 p.m. – Depart from George R. Brown Convention Center via walking
7:45 p.m. – Arrive at Dinner – The Rustic
9:45 p.m. – Depart from Dinner via Rental Car
10:15 p.m. – Arrive at Home2 Suites Houston Medical Center

• Study/Homework

11:00 p.m. – All students must be in their own hotel rooms
11:59 p.m. – Lights out

Thursday, April 20, 2022

5:45 a.m. – Breakfast at Hotel
6:45 a.m. – Depart from Home2 Suites Houston Medical Center via Rental Car
7:15 a.m. – Arrive at George R. Brown Convention Center

• Field Measurements/Robot Calibration
• Qualification Matches
• Robot Improvements
• Lunch – Concessions/Food Trucks/Venue Restaurants
• Innovation Faire
• Conference Sessions
• Block Party

11:00 p.m. – All students must be in their own hotel rooms
11:59 p.m. – Lights out

Friday, April 21, 2022

5:45 a.m. – Breakfast at Hotel
6:45 a.m. – Depart from Home2 Suites Houston Medical Center via Rental Car
7:15 a.m. – Arrive at George R. Brown Convention Center

• Qualification Matches
• Robot Improvements
• Lunch – Concessions/Food Trucks/Venue Restaurants
• Innovation Faire
• Conference Sessions
• Block Party

6:30 p.m. – Depart George R. Brown Convention Center via walking
6:45 p.m. – Arrive at Dinner (location TBD)
8:45 p.m. – Depart from Dinner via Rental Car
9:15 p.m. – Arrive at Home2 Suites Houston Medical Center

• Study/Homework

11:00 p.m. – All students must be in their own hotel rooms
11:59 p.m. – Lights out

Saturday, April 22, 2022

5:30 a.m. – Breakfast at Hotel
6:30 a.m. – Depart from Home2 Suites Houston Medical Center via Rental Car
7:00 a.m. – Arrive at George R. Brown Convention Center

• Division Alliance Selections
• Division Playoffs
• Lunch – Concessions/Food Trucks/Venue Restaurants
• Awards
• Inter-Division Playoffs
• Closing Celebration

3:00 p.m. – Depart George R. Brown Convention Center via Rental Car
4:00 p.m. – Arrive at George Bush Intercontinental Airport
4:30 p.m. – Early dinner at George Bush Intercontinental Airport

Sunday, April 23, 2022

Chaperones

Mr. Larry Schulte, Head Coach
Cell: (734) 890-4664

Mr. Rich Wong, Assistant Coach
Cell: (248) 787-3672

Mr. Marc Pulte, Assistant Coach
Cell: (248) 343-8484

Resources

There are several resources available for families and friends to stay-up to date:

• Official FIRST events web site
• Official FIRST Championship web site
• Official FIRST Championship App
• Official FRC Championship public schedule
• The Blue Alliance web site/app
• FIRSTtv webcast
• GroupMe parent group chat

Venue Information

George R. Brown Convention Center
1001 Avenida De Las Americas
Houston, TX 77010

Flight Information

Flight Group 1: Delta Airlines

Flight Group 2: American Airlines

Hotel Information

Home 2 Suites by Hilton Houston Medical Center

Expenses

Required:

The required payment for participation in this event is $1700 per student. The actual per student cost is more than $2000 per student. We are counting on some generous sponsors and donors to help close the gap. If you are able to contribute more to the team as a donation, it would be greatly appreciated.

Additional Costs:

Meals: One dinner will be covered using team funds. Breakfast is included at the hotel. All remaining meals are the responsibility of the student. The student should bring additional cash to pay for other meals. At least $30 per day is suggested.

Packing List

This list is meant to be a guide. Baggage must meet carry-on requirements. Only one carry-on bag and one personal item (backpack, briefcase, laptop bag, etc.) per student. We will not be checking baggage. Do not over-pack. Any liquids must meet TSA regulations.

REQUIRED

• Identification: Birth Certificate, Passport, or Driver’s License, and School ID (students over 18 must bring a Passport or Driver’s License)
• Signed Permission Slip
• Cash: At least $30/day is suggested.
• Cell Phone & Charger
• Two Robocubs Shirts

Toiletries

• Toothbrush & Toothpaste
• Deodorant

Clothing

• Pants/Shorts
• Socks
• Light Jacket
• Underwear
• Shoes (Closed Toe)
• Bathing Suit

Miscellaneous

• Medication
• Glasses
• Sunglasses
• Contacts
• Contact Solution
• Laptop
• Gaming Consoles
• Playing Cards

Q & A

Q: Do you need any chaperones or volunteers?
A: The coaches have the event covered. FIRST does not require that the team provide volunteers for the event. Parents may choose to volunteer at the event if they’d like.

Q: My son has Clear/Nexus/TSA Pre-Check. Can they skip the normal line and go through the expedited screening?
A: No. We will need to travel as a team and cannot split-up at the airport.

Q: How will you ensure my son is safe?
A: The coaches have a number of tools to help keep track of all students: 1. We have a buddy system where no one should be on their own at any given time. 2. All students must remain with the team at the venue, hotel, or restaurant at any given time. 3. Attendance is taken at regular intervals. 4. Slack can be used to communicate with team members at all times.

Q: I am able to get a better deal on a hotel room and/or airfare. Can I book my own instead of paying the team?
A: No, for a variety of reasons: 1. A large portion of the expense is for non-room and airfare expenses. 2. The team needs to stay together on the same flight and in the same hotel. 3. The pricing and availability for a single ticket/room is not the same as for 27 people who need to travel and stay together.
If you are able to get a better deal for the whole team, please share the details with Mr. Wong.

Q: Does my son get a private room?
A: No, the rooms are shared. Typically there are 3-4 students to a room depending on room size and the number of students participating.

Q: What if my son can only stay overnight one or two nights and not all three, is there a discount?
A: No, since the rooms are shared, there are no cost savings for the team if your son is not able to stay for the entire event. A parent would need to travel with their son if they need to arrive late or leave early as there is not enough coaching staff to escort one team member to the airport.

Q: May I travel and stay with the team?
A: Yes, we have a limited number of extra hotel rooms booked that we could transfer to your name or you may book your own accommodations. You would be responsible for all of your own expenses and your own transportation.

Q: We are not able to pay this expense, does that mean my son cannot participate?
A: No. Your son can participate regardless of financial hardship. Please reach out to Mr. Schulte if financial assistance is needed and we will work with you to establish a payment plan and/or find sources of financial assistance.

Q: I know an individual or company who can sponsor the team. Who can I refer them to?
A: Please share that information with Mr. Schulte.